The Royal Puzzle. Catherine Nightingale

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СКАЧАТЬ such a mess? What have I gotten myself into? These two American gorillas are behind all of this, no doubt!

      Fearful that there still might be someone inside, Katherine stepped out into the hall and went straight down to the main entrance with her entire body quavering.

      When getting outside she made out a bench close to the park nearby. This bench appeared to be a real salvation, as Katherine felt her trembling legs giving way. Having finally settled down, Katherine took out the phone and entered her mailbox searching for the incoming message from her father she read overnight.

      “If you you end up in trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Daniel Lawrence. He’s one of my best students. He’ll take care of you. Feel free to trust him.”

      I guess, for now, Prof. Lawrence is my only option…

      Chapter 6 A Call To Salvation

      Katherine double checked Prof. Lawrence’s contact details before making up her mind on the next possible scenario the outcome of which was terrifyingly blurry.

      So, what do we have here:

      “Associate Professor Daniel Lawrence.”

      Faculty of History, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

      01865 343-211-72

      [email protected]”.

      I see, consider I should start my search at Gerorge Street, or even make a call in advance, not to drop from the clouds. Poor manners are out of favour.

      Setting foot to George Street, sanctum sanctorum of History, the place where all the professors and students were hanging out in their daily “learn and study” routine, and fishing her mobile out of her backpack side pocket, where Katherine tended to keep her cell phone, she felt a slight buzzing (turning on a rington was not in her custom, as an abrupt sound of an incoming call startled her every single time. This habit drove her closest friends and family mad as they couldn’t reach her in case of emergency. “What can I say. I have a sensitive ear, besides, I don’t want to embarass myself on public transport with people gaping at me every time I jump out of my skin when receiving a sudden call”. -Katherine said in her defence).

      Who might that be? The circumstances I’m currently finding myself in, receiving an unexpected call is even more intimidating than usual.

      Upon closer examination Katherine nearly dropped the phone.

      This is not happening… Am I dreaming?

      She took one more glance at the contact details from the email.

      It has to be him. But how did he find out I was about to give a call? Is this professor some sort of “Charles Xavier” type of guy or the Delphi Oracle? Okay, assumptions aside, just answer the call.

      – Hello.

      – Hello, is that Katherine? -the familiar voice inquired.

      The cafe savior…

      – Yes. Who’s speaking?

      – Oh, thank God! I’m glad I made it to you. It’s Daniel. The cafe last night, remember?

      – Oh, sure. Daniel. It’s so nice to hear from you and may I tell you how grateful I am for saving my life yesterday.

      – Oh, please, don’t mention it. I’m glad I could be at service to you. I was just wondering if you are safe and sound and out of trouble? Frankly speaking, I’ve been anxious about you since yesterday. Your well-being made me quite unsettling.

      – Oh, how very kind of you to enquire. I don’t want to be a drag. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate…

      Seriously, you’ve only just met the guy! Overwhelming a near stranger with personal issues is quite a “mauvais ton”.

      – Please, Ms. Winters, feel free to share whatever it is with me.-Daniel responded to dispel all the doubts and inconviniences.

      – Well, to be perfectly honest, a great deal of things took place overnight and this morning, and I’m afraid there’s no one else I can turn to.

      – Ok, please, Ms. Winters, firstly, don’t panic and calm down. I’m afraid I’m having a lecture in five minutes. How does it sound if we meet in my office at George Street to sort everything out?

      – Sounds good. – Katherine replied with relief vibrating through her body.

      – Perfect. The lecture finishes at 2.30 p.m. When getting inside the faculty let the receptionist know that you’ve got an appointment with Prof.Lawrence. I’ll make sure they escort you straight to the office. Wait there for me, will you?

      – Of course. I owe you a lot, Mr.Lawrence.-Katherine replied, her voice full of gratitude.

      – Ms. Winters, would you please stop thanking me? I’m a man of honour and trust me, for now, that’s the least I can do.-Daniel pleaded, his voice as comfortable and soothing as usual.

      I should probably stop thanking people too much.

      – See you in the office then?

      – Sure. See you soon.

      Having hung up, Katherine went on thinking what has just happened.

      Trusting a stranger? Is it really a safe way? Well, I suppose in this situation it’s my ONE and ONLY way out. I shouldn’t forget that it’s due to Professor Lawrence that I’m still walking these streets and not struggling to get out of some dungeon or wherever they tend to keep hostages.

      With these disturbing thoughts in mind, Katherine went straight to Gerorge Street, hoping to clear up all this mess she had absolutely no idea how to deal with.

      Chapter 7 Balliol College

      Balliol College was about twenty minutes away from where Katherine resided, so it didn’t take her long to get there. When getting through a massive set of doors reminding the passers by of a medieval “Game of Thrones” -like castle gate, Katherine found herself inside an archway taking her straight to the college campus.

      Every time I enter such a space, I feel just like Lyra Belaqua[3] scouting the corridors of Jordan College and exploring all the hidden corners of Oxford. Hope HBO won’t screw up the last season of “His Dark Materials”[4] they scheduled for Christmas.

      Contemplating books, TV shows and films was a usual thing for Katherine when feeling uneasy.

      Although, Jordan College[5]is fictional, it has so much in common with its Oxford counterparts.

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